The S&P Global Flash Australia Services PMI Business Activity Index was revised up to 53.6 in July 2026, a six‑month high, from a preliminary estimate of 53.0 and a final reading of 50.5 in June. The latest figure signaled a second consecutive month of expansion, driven primarily by real estate & business services and information & communication, while the transport & storage sector remained subdued.
Growth was underpinned by the first rise in new orders in five months, even as export demand continued to weaken. Employment increased for a second month running at a solid rate, and backlogs of work grew for the first time in five months.
On the price front, input cost inflation eased to a five‑month low despite higher fuel and wage expenses. However, firms raised output charges at a quicker pace in an effort to protect profit margins. Meanwhile, business confidence improved to its strongest level since February, though firms remained wary of persistent inflationary pressures and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
